Przekaz teologii małżeństwa w kościelnych pieśniach ślubnych

Abstract

In the old church song repertoires in the Upper Silesia one may find a distinct group of songs connected with the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony. There are not many of them and they are usually labelled as songs before vows and after vows. The theological content of these songs generally concentrates on the topic of unity and indissolubility of the marital covenant. They also take the form of singing supplications for God’s help for the newlyweds. As far as the music is concerned, these songs often use melodies borrowed from other popular songs in the form of contrafactum, but there are also some melodies specially composed. Nowadays, the songs performed and instrumental music played at the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony are not always chosen in accordance with the spirit of liturgy; and often lay music permeates church ceremonies. This is why there is a need for new works in this field of church chant; a need for songs closely related to the wedding ceremonies.